Spain sends good signals, Beijing "invites" Europe to make concessions

On September 12, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its hope that the European Union (EU) would work with China to find solutions to promote stable economic and trade relations.

China calls on the EU to cooperate in resolving trade disputes. (Source: Getty Images)

Earlier, on September 11, during a visit to China, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that EU member states and the European Commission (EC) should reconsider their stance to avoid a potential trade war.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing appreciates the "objective and rational" stance of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding the EU's proposed import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Ms. Mao Ning affirmed: "We are seeking solutions that can be acceptable to both sides."

Beijing expressed hope that both sides would make concessions to promote healthy and stable economic and trade relations.

In a related development, sources from the Italian government say that Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit the country next week as the world's second-largest economy seeks to ease tensions over electric vehicles.

Minister Wang Wendao is scheduled to meet with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Industry Minister Adolfo Urso in Rome.

Italy initially supported the tax in a non-binding vote by EU member states in July 2024, along with France and Spain.

The EC, the EU's trade policy watchdog, is moving toward proposing a final tariff of up to 35.3% on electric vehicles manufactured in China, in addition to the existing 10% import tariff.

The proposal will be put to a vote by the 27 member states. It will be implemented by the end of October if a majority, i.e., 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population, do not vote against it.

This is a major hurdle for Chinese electric vehicles.

Conversely, Beijing's threat of retaliation against pork, dairy products, and spirits could affect some EU countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cang-thang-trung-quoc-eu-tay-ban-nha-phat-tin-hieu-vui-bac-kinh-ru-chau-au-cung-nhuong-bo-286028.html